Hosting a Dog Friendly Holiday Party: A Calm, Safe Plan for Dog Moms and Dads
Hosting a Dog Friendly Holiday Party: A Calm, Safe Plan for Dog Moms and Dads
Holiday parties are one of the best parts of December. There is music, good food, friends in festive sweaters and, for a lot of dog moms and dads, a dog in a bandana working the room. Parties can also be loud, crowded and full of tempting food at nose height, which is a lot for any dog to handle.
This guide gives you a simple plan to host a holiday party that works for your dog as well as your guests. You will learn how to prepare your dog and your home, what to tell guests, how to handle food and drinks, and how to safely include other dogs if you want a true dog friendly party.
We also cover the warning signs that your dog has had enough, a clean up checklist for the end of the night and what to do if something goes wrong. Most of the plan takes about an hour to set up and saves a lot of stress later.
Should my dog be at the holiday party?
Start by being honest about your dog's personality. Some dogs love a crowd and happily collect pats all night. Others enjoy a few calm visitors but get overwhelmed by noise, kids running around or a stream of strangers coming through the door. Neither is wrong. The goal is a plan that fits the dog you actually have, not the party dog you wish you had.
Social, relaxed dogs can usually join the party for part of the night with some help from you. Shy, anxious, reactive or very young dogs often do better in a quiet room for most of the party, with short supervised visits if they seem curious. Senior dogs and dogs with pain may want a peaceful spot away from the busy areas.
Think about the type of party too. A small dinner for six is very different from a 30 person open house with kids and a doorbell that never stops. If you expect a big, loud crowd, plan for your dog to spend most of the night in its quiet room, or arrange a sitter or a sleepover with a friend your dog knows well.
You can always change the plan on the night. If your dog is loving it, let it stay out longer. If your dog starts to look worried, take it to its quiet room early with a chew. Being flexible is the best way to keep the night happy for everyone.
How do I prepare my dog before guests arrive?
Exercise comes first. Plan a long walk, a game of fetch or a sniff walk in the hour or two before the party. A dog that has burned off energy and had a chance to sniff and explore is much calmer when the doorbell starts ringing. For high energy dogs, add a short training session or puzzle feeder to tire the brain as well.
Feed dinner and take a potty break before guests arrive. A dog with a full belly is less likely to beg or counter surf, and you will not need to step out halfway through the party. If your dog normally eats later, move the meal a little earlier on party night rather than skipping it.
Practice the cues you will need. Spend a few minutes in the days before the party practicing sit for greetings, go to your bed and leave it. Use high value treats and keep sessions short and fun. Our 30 day training plan has easy routines for these skills.
Check your dog's ID. With lots of people coming and going, the front door may be open more than usual. Make sure your dog wears a collar with a current ID tag and that its microchip details are up to date. Our microchip and ID tag guide explains what to check.
How do I set up a quiet room for my dog?
Pick a room away from the main party, such as a bedroom or home office. Add your dog's bed or crate, a bowl of fresh water, a few favorite toys and a long lasting chew or stuffed food toy. A worn shirt or a blanket that smells like you helps many dogs relax.
Muffle the noise. Close the curtains, turn on a fan, soft music or a white noise machine and keep the lights low. This helps cover the sound of the doorbell, laughter and music from the main room. A covered crate can feel extra safe for dogs that already like their crate.
Put a sign on the door so guests know not to open it or let the dog out. Something simple like Dog resting, please keep door closed works well. Kids in particular may want to visit, so ask an adult to check the room is off limits for little hands unless you are there.
Visit your dog during the night. Pop in every hour or so for a quick potty break, a cuddle or a new chew. These short check ins help your dog stay settled and let you spot any signs of stress early. If your dog seems happy and curious, you can bring it out for a calm visit on a leash.
How do I dog proof my home for a holiday party?
Look at your home from nose height. Party tables, coffee tables and side tables tend to fill up with snacks, plates and drinks. Anything below about 3 feet is in reach for most dogs, and big dogs can reach the kitchen counter. Move food and drinks to higher surfaces or behind a baby gate.
Secure the Christmas tree and decorations. Anchor the tree, move fragile ornaments and edible decorations up high and keep cords and tinsel out of reach. Lit candles should sit where tails cannot knock them over. Our Christmas tree safety guide covers this in more detail.
Make a coat and bag plan. Guests often drop coats and handbags on beds or chairs. Bags can hold sugar free gum with xylitol, medicines, chocolate and cough drops, all of which can be dangerous. Put coats and bags in a closed room your dog cannot get into.
Plan for the front door. A baby gate across the hallway or entry gives you a buffer between the door and the dog. If you do not have a gate, keep your dog on a leash or in its quiet room when guests are arriving and leaving, which is when most escapes happen.
What should I tell guests about my dog?
A short heads up in the invitation helps a lot. Let guests know you have a dog, whether it will be at the party and whether other dogs are welcome. This gives people with allergies or a fear of dogs time to plan, and saves awkward moments at the door.
Share three simple house rules when people arrive. Please do not feed the dog. Please keep plates and drinks off low tables. Please close the door behind you. Most guests are happy to help once they know what you need, and repeating the rules in a friendly way keeps everyone on the same page.
Teach a polite greeting. Ask guests to let your dog come to them, offer the back of a hand to sniff and pet the chest or shoulders rather than the top of the head. Remind people not to hug, kiss or pick up a dog they do not know, and to leave a dog alone when it walks away.
Give kids a clear role. Children can help with simple jobs like asking the dog to sit for a treat you hand them, but they should not chase, corner or wrestle with the dog. Always have an adult watching when kids and dogs are together. Our guide to kids and dogs over winter break has more tips.
What party foods and drinks are dangerous for dogs?
Chocolate is the classic holiday danger. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are the most toxic, but any chocolate can cause vomiting, a racing heart or worse in a small dog. Keep cookie trays, brownies and boxes of candy out of reach and remind guests not to share. See our chocolate guide for what to do if your dog eats some.
Watch for xylitol, grapes and onions. Xylitol, a sweetener in some sugar free gum, candy and baked goods, can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Grapes and raisins can damage the kidneys. Onions, garlic and chives in dips, stuffing and appetizers are toxic too. Macadamia nuts and rich, fatty foods can also make dogs sick.
Alcohol is more dangerous than many people think. Dogs are very sensitive to alcohol, and a few laps of eggnog, punch, beer or a cocktail can cause wobbliness, vomiting and low blood sugar. Unbaked bread dough is a risk too because yeast produces alcohol in the stomach. Keep drinks on high tables and empty glasses quickly.
Do not forget toothpicks, skewers and bones. Cocktail sticks, kebab skewers, chicken wings and rib bones are easy for a dog to grab from a plate or the trash and can cause choking or tears in the gut. Put a lidded trash can in the kitchen and clear plates often. Our holiday foods list has a full rundown.
Can I have dog friendly food at the party?
Yes, and it is a fun way to include your dog. Make a small dog snack station with plain treats you know your dog tolerates, or bake a batch of simple dog cookies from our homemade Christmas dog treats guide. Keep the station out of reach and hand out treats yourself.
Give guests a better way to share. Many people love to treat a dog. Instead of scraps from their plate, let them ask your dog for a sit and give one small treat from your jar. This keeps calories in check and avoids risky foods, and it teaches your dog that calm manners earn rewards.
Count the treats. Party treats add up fast, especially for small dogs. As a rough guide, treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog's daily calories. Use small pieces, swap some for kibble from your dog's daily ration, and keep an eye on the total during a busy party season.
Plain human foods can work too. A few pieces of plain cooked chicken or turkey, carrot sticks, green beans or apple slices without seeds are safe for most dogs in small amounts. Set them aside before any seasoning, sauce or butter goes on, and skip anything your dog has never tried before to avoid an upset stomach.
How do I host a party with other dogs?
Keep the dog guest list small. For most homes, one to three visiting dogs is plenty. Invite dogs that already know each other or are known to be friendly, relaxed and well socialized. Puppies that are not fully vaccinated, dogs that guard toys or food, and dogs that are reactive or unwell are better off staying home.
Introduce dogs outside first. Meet on neutral ground such as the sidewalk or a nearby park and go for a short walk together before anyone comes inside. Keep leashes loose, let the dogs sniff briefly and then move on. Inside, keep leashes on for the first few minutes and watch body language closely.
Remove things that cause fights. Put away toys, bones, chews and food bowls before dog guests arrive. Offer several water bowls in different spots. If you want to give treats, do it one dog at a time with space between them, or skip treats while the dogs are together and give them later.
Set up a break space for each dog. Even friendly dogs get tired and cranky at a busy party. A crate, a gated area or a separate room where each dog can rest helps prevent squabbles. Ask each owner to stay responsible for their own dog and to take it home early if it seems stressed.
How do I know if my dog is stressed at the party?
Learn the early signs. Yawning when not tired, lip licking, turning the head away, a tucked tail, pinned back ears and showing the whites of the eyes are all common signs a dog is uncomfortable. Pacing, panting when it is not hot and refusing treats it would normally love are also signs your dog needs a break.
Watch for bigger warnings too. Growling, freezing, stiff body posture, raised hackles and snapping mean your dog is very uncomfortable and needs space right away. Never punish a growl. It is your dog's way of telling you it has had enough, and punishing it can make a bite more likely next time.
Act early. As soon as you see early stress signs, calmly take your dog to its quiet room with a chew or stuffed toy. Do not wait for things to escalate. Giving your dog a break before it feels overwhelmed keeps it safe and helps it feel better about parties in the future.
Some dogs need extra support. If your dog is very anxious with visitors or noise, talk to your vet before the party season. They can suggest calming strategies and, if needed, medicines that help. Our guide to holiday stress in dogs has more ideas.
What should I do after the party?
Do a sweep before bed. Walk through every room and pick up dropped food, cocktail sticks, wrappers, bottle caps and anything else on the floor. Check sofa cushions, low tables and the coat room. Tie up trash bags and take them outside or put them in a lidded bin your dog cannot open.
Give your dog a calm potty walk and a quiet end to the night. After a busy evening many dogs are tired and a little wired at the same time. A short, slow walk, some water and a quiet place to sleep help your dog wind down. Keep the next morning low key too.
Watch for signs of trouble for the next day. Vomiting, diarrhea, a swollen belly, wobbliness, restlessness or a painful belly can be signs your dog ate something it should not have. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, call your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison line right away rather than waiting for symptoms.
Keep emergency numbers handy. Save your vet, the nearest 24 hour emergency vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426 4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764 7661 in your phone. Both lines may charge a consultation fee, and both are open 24 hours a day.
- Tire your dog out first. A long walk before the doorbell rings makes a calmer host.
- A quiet room is a must, even for social dogs who love people.
- Brief your guests. No scraps, no drinks on low tables, close the door behind you.
- Keep food and drinks high. Alcohol, chocolate, xylitol and fatty foods are real risks.
- Fewer dog guests is better. Meet outside first and put toys and bowls away.
A party your dog can enjoy too
The best dog friendly holiday parties are planned around the dog you have. Walk and feed your dog first, give it a quiet room to retreat to, brief your guests, keep food and drinks high and do a sweep before bed. With those simple steps, you can relax and enjoy the night, and so can your dog.
From all of us at Happy Yay, happy hosting and happy holidays to you and your pup.
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Frequently asked questions
Should I put my dog away during a party?
It depends on your dog. Relaxed, social dogs can join for part of the night with supervision. Shy, anxious, young or senior dogs often do better in a quiet room with a chew, with short visits if they seem curious.
How do I keep my dog calm when guests arrive?
Walk and feed your dog before the party, then keep it behind a gate, on a leash or in a quiet room while guests arrive. Let it greet people once the door is closed and things settle.
What should I tell guests about my dog?
Share three rules: please do not feed the dog, keep plates and drinks off low tables, and close the door behind you. Ask guests to let the dog come to them and not to hug or pick it up.
Is alcohol dangerous for dogs?
Yes. Dogs are very sensitive to alcohol. Even small amounts of beer, wine, eggnog or cocktails can cause vomiting, wobbliness and low blood sugar. Keep drinks on high tables and call your vet if your dog drinks any.
Can I invite other dogs to my holiday party?
Yes, if you keep the group small and invite only friendly, healthy, vaccinated dogs. Introduce dogs outside first, put away toys and food bowls, and give each dog a separate space to rest.
What party foods are toxic to dogs?
Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw dough and fatty foods are all risky. Cocktail sticks, skewers and cooked bones can cause choking or blockages.
What are the signs my dog is stressed at a party?
Watch for yawning, lip licking, a tucked tail, pinned ears, pacing, panting and refusing treats. Growling, freezing or stiffness means your dog needs space right away. Move it to its quiet room early.
How do I stop guests feeding my dog?
Mention it in the invitation and again at the door. Give guests a better option, like asking your dog to sit for a small treat from your jar, and keep a sign near the food table.
Should I hire a sitter for a big party?
For large, loud parties or anxious dogs, a trusted sitter, a sleepover with a friend your dog knows or a day at a familiar daycare can be kinder than a night of doorbells and crowds.
What should I do if my dog eats something at the party?
Call your vet, an emergency vet or a pet poison line right away. Do not wait for symptoms or try to make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Have the packaging or a description ready.